Articles from VT News that highlight invasive species education, research, & engagement
Dr. Man Li has joined Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics as an Associate Professor through the Invasive Species Collaborative’s cluster hire. The ISC is excited to see the innovative work Dr. Li will bring to the intersection of invasive species and economics!
Researchers developed a method to track and predict pollen movement through the environment, with potential applications for understanding pollen dispersal in invasive plants.
Conservation programs can transform private lands, but many landowners ease off once agreements end. This article explores “stewardship drop,” uncovering surprising insights on timing, motivation, and strategies to sustain land management long after contracts conclude.
How can scientists build trust with the public? A new study from Virginia Tech suggests that credibility isn’t just about expertise – it’s also about whether people believe scientists are motivated by the public good.
ISC Affiliate Dr. David Schmale will lead a collaborative effort to improve the prediction, detection, and response to atmospheric incursions of invasive crop threats by leveraging advances in aerobiology, geospatial sensing, genomics, and predictive modeling.
Researchers are studying how beech bark disease has affected an endangered salamander in southwestern Virginia. Combined with other invasive pathogens and natural disturbances, the disease has contributed to dramatic changes in the forests that support these salamander populations.
Ordinary pet dogs outperformed trained human searchers in the first real-world test of community dog-handler teams, finding more than twice as many egg masses.
The Ecological Society of America awarded its 2026 Commitment to Human Diversity in Ecology Award to Dr. Haldre Rogers, an ISC Affiliate and associate professor in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment.
Undergraduate researchers at Virginia Tech study seed-dispersal networks of common fleshy-fruiting native and invasive plants in Appalachia.
The university congratulates faculty and staff members for their contributions in a number of categories, from advising students to championing outreach and research. Several ISC Affiliates were recognized.
The Office of Research and Innovation and the Office of Faculty Affairs annually recognize outstanding faculty for impactful work. This spring, Dr. Jacob Barney, Director of the ISC, received the distinguished Frontier Award.
Twenty employees were nominated for the 2026 President’s Award for Excellence, including Hallie Harriman, Program Coordinator of the ISC. This award annually recognizes full-time staff at Virginia Tech for their exceptional contributions and performance.